Downs complaint leads to ref probe

MAMELODI Sundowns have lodged a complaint with the SA Football Association (Safa) and the Premier Soccer League over the alleged conduct of match officials during the team's league match against Ajax Cape Town last week.

The Brazilians have expressed concern about comments allegedly made by the referee to the fourth official, in which he asked "are you with us or with Sundowns" as the teams were about to return to the field after the break.

The match, which ended in a 2-all draw, was played at the Cape Town Stadium on Tuesday night.

Oblivious to the Sundowns technical team member within earshot, the match official allegedly uttered the words that have now formed the bases of an investigation.

In the letter, the club would like the referee to explain what he meant with his statement and also request Safa to investigate the matter.

Sundowns' senior adviser and communications and marketing manager Joe Latakgomo confirmed yesterday that they had written a letter of complaint to the PSL and Safa to this effect. But he would not reveal the contents of the letter.

Safa head of communications Dominic Chimhavi said a complaint should first go to the PSL before it could be forwarded to the national controlling body.

Safa acting head of referees Ace Kika would not comment about the alleged incident, saying he will only talk after all match reports had been submitted to them by match commissioners.

"That is why I can't even give you the names of match officials of that particular game," he said.

Ajax public relations officer Thabiso Mekuto said yesterday that they were unaware of the incident.

Match officials have increasingly come under fire early in the season due to some poor officiating. The league has had to deal with two cases of misconduct after Steve Komphela of Free State Stars and his Bloemfontein Celtic counterpart Clinton Larsen were charged and fined for criticising referees.

COMMENTS [ 6 ]

thanks dowana its about time we probe the refs conduct, compalining and doing nothing about it wont solve the problem. Fifa is slow on adopting technological means of monotoring games hence teams need to take this further by themselves

There's no proof that the said fourth official on the match day was reffering to whom or comments were directed to who. It could be that the man was just in the good mood of soccer (it can even be that he is a Sdowns supporter )! Or even worse, an Ajax supporter ! But this is my opinion, and looking at the story, there is no proof , or substance suggesting that THERE IS A STRONG CASE.AGAINST THE Gentleman. Of course, SA refferies are a Disaster. One being, Daniel Benette! This man is always in the wrong end of the game.Sorry for singling him out , but is worse than Malema !